First three inches of permanent wound cavity were completely destroyed. Little to no temporary stretch cavity effects were observed.

Small sized birdshot such as this #8 heavy dove load is a poor choice for deployment with a tactical shotgun. Wounds inflicted from birdshot tend to be gruesome yet shallow as they lack the penetration required to reach vital cardiovascular or central nervous system structures.

#5 Birdshot

2¾ Kent Tungsten Matrix #5 Birdshot

Closeup of the shot cloud and temporary stretch cavity. The dark area on the left side of the photograph represents totally shredded gelatin.

Shallow yet massively shredded entrance tract.

Entrance hole

Entrance hole.

Designed as a better performing alternative to steel wetland bird loads, Tungsten Matrix is an exotic shotgun projectile material that has an even higher density than lead. It's high density was what interested us in it's possible application as a tactical shotgun load.

While this load's penetration looks impressive as compared with the much larger #1 shot tungsten matrix load, it needs to be interpreted in the context of the calibration bb's greater penetration. Temperature outside was a little warmer than it should have been when we shot this block and it was the last block of a relatively long string. As a result, this gelatin block exhibits slightly more elasticity than our standard blocks and consequently deeper penetration.

Small sized birdshot such as this #5 Tungsten Matrix load is a poor choice for deployment with a tactical shotgun. Wounds inflicted from birdshot tend to be gruesome yet shallow as they lack the penetration required to reach vital cardiovascular or central nervous system structures.

Significant crushing of tissue evident as with all birdshot, however miniimal penetration limits the effectiveness of small shot as a tactical round except at ultra short range.

Perspective of the shredded gelatin block.

Slightly more perspective.

Closeup of the entrance "hole".

Small sized birdshot such as this #4 heavy dove load is a poor choice for deployment with a tactical shotgun. Wounds inflicted from birdshot tend to be gruesome yet shallow as they lack the penetration required to reach vital cardiovascular or central nervous system structures.

Small sized birdshot such as this #2 express load is a poor choice for deployment with a tactical shotgun. Wounds inflicted from birdshot tend to be gruesome yet shallow as they lack the penetration required to reach vital cardiovascular or central nervous system structures. For ultra close range applications (ie: inside your home) this load would likely be effective, however an operator should be prepared to follow up with larger shot in the event that additional force is required to stop a threat.

#1 Birdshot

2¾ Kent Tungsten Matrix #1 Birdshot

Closeup of the shot cloud and temporary stretch cavity. The dark area on the right side of the photograph represents totally shredded gelatin.

The three primary temporary stretch cavities were large; one tearing beyond the boundaries of our 9x9 test block.

Closeup of the shredded gelatin at the entrance hole.

Designed as a better performing alternative to steel wetland bird loads, Tungsten Matrix is an exotic shotgun projectile material that has an even higher density than lead. It's high density was what interested us in it's possible application as a tactical shotgun load.

While approaching our minimum recommended penetration standard for an all around tactical shotgun load, this birdshot load just does not quite measure up. Consideration of this load should be limited to an application where an engagement is guaranteed to be very close range and overpenetration is a significant and unacceptable risk. In mitigating these risks it is important to recognize that birdshot loads are significantly handicapped as compared to buckshot loads in their capacity to create the deep permanent cavities required to damage either cardiovascular or CNS structures.

Lead BB

2¾ Remington Express Lead BB

For close range applications possibly the perfect balance between pellet count and pellet size?

Aspect putting into perspective the entrance wound and the temporary stretch cavity tears

Entrance hole illustrating the 6 lobed temporary stretch cavity.

Large amounts of crushed tissue visible at the entrance wound extend approximately 6.5 inches into the block. The entrance hole from the calibration bb is also visible.

Cross section illustrating the spread of the shot as it travels through target media.

Cross section of shot cloud.

Cross section of shot cloud.

Closeup of the cross section. Visible are the individual wound channels created by the bbs. Likely a very effective close range tactical load.

Before lead shot was banned throughout most of North America for use on waterfowl, Lead BB was the load of choice for long range goose hunting. The same performance characteristics that made it so well suited for that application merit consideration when evaluating short range loads for your tactical shotgun. We feel lead BB has it's place, being a reasonable balance of penetration and pellet count. That being said, it is not recommended for medium range work. #4 buckshot is the minimum pellet size we recommend for general tactical applications.

#4 Buckshot

Federal Classic #4 buck shot out of an 18 inch barreled Remington 870 Marine Magnum. The shot column struck a little low...this photograph was taken without the ruler to show the entire shot load.

Generally...#4 buck is the minimum shot size we recommend for all purpose tactical applications.

Up for observation was a 2¾ inch load of federal classic #4 buckshot fired from an 18 inch barreled Remington 870 Marine Magnum.

#4 buckshot is what we here at [dead link] consider the minimum all purpose buckshot load for tactical applications. It balances decent penetration with a higher projectile count; increasing your first round hit probability over both #1 buck and 00 buck at medium shotgun range. If all pellets strike the intended target (likely when utilized at closer range) #4 buckshot offers several times the effective wound channel creation capabilities over both #1 and 00 buck.

#4 buckshot is what we here at [dead link] consider the minimum all purpose buckshot load for tactical applications. While a standard #4 buck load typically has a payload of 27 pellets, this magnum load from federal has 34. Not a load for the recoil sensitive.

In this shot, the temporary stretch cavity exceeded the elastic limits of our gelatin block and ruptured out the top and side. An additional shot was conducted into a second gelatin block below at a slightly increased range to measure the temporary stretch cavity.

Overall penetration was approximately the same as the first shot, however the shot pattern was slightly larger at the 5 yard range as compared to the 3 yard range of the original shot.

Perspective on the entrance wound of the 16 pellet load fired from 5 yards.

In our opinion, this load is superior to 00 buck for selection as a tactical shotgun load. While exhibiting slightly less penetration, overall penetration is still acceptable and if all pellets strike their intended target there is potential to create approximately 77% more wound tract with the additional 7 pellets.

While this particular load patterned well in the test shotgun, surprising dispersion was noted in the gelatin media (one pellet was not even recovered). We speculate that is related to the moderate shot deformation observed in the pellets recovered.

Reduced recoil buckshot loads are becoming more and more popular they tend to pattern significantly tighter than the higher power loads in addition to being easier to shoot. Not as much a trade off in the penetration department as one might imagine, we would have no hesitations recommending this load for use in a defensive or tactical situation requiring buckshot.

#00 Buckshot (Federal Classic)

Complete penetration and generally tighter wound tract pattern.

Block #2 illustrating the resting place of all 9 pellets. As compared to the Remington express load the pellets exhibited approximately 50% less dispersion withing the target media.

As with most unplated buckshot, some mild deformation of the shot was observed. We believe most of this deformation occurs during firing, and plays a large role in how the shot will pattern. We do not believe general deformation of the hardened lead pellets is significant with respect their performance in target media. We do believe federal's wad configuration is superior to most others, and as a result most of their buckshot loads tend to pattern tighter than those of their competition. Patterning can vary greatly from shotgun to shotgun....the only way to know how your shotgun will perform with any given load combination is to get out and pattern it yourself. With our caveat out of the way, we will state that it has been our observation that federal buckshot loads typically pattern tightly across a large variety of different shotguns.

As with most unplated buckshot, some mild deformation of the shot was observed. We believe most of this deformation occurs during firing, and plays a large role in how the shot will pattern. We do not believe general deformation of the hardened lead pellets is significant with respect their performance in target media.

Details of the large temporary stretch cavity and the entrance aspect. The temporary stretch cavity measured approximately 11 inches in length

Wider perspective of testing rig. 2 blocks of gelatin, each 17 inches long, were used for this test.

Up for observation was a 2¾ inch magnum load of federal 00 buckshot fired from an 18 inch barreled Remington 870 Marine Magnum. Considerable penetration on average of 20 inches was noted, with the temporary stretch cavity measuring approximately 11 inches. Shot recovered exhibited minimal deformation and we speculate this is due to both buffering and the unique wad configuration of this particular load. The first 6 inches of the permanent crush cavities were all interconnected by tearing effected by temporary stretch.

If excessive penetration is not an issue, performance as observed in this test would likely be strong in a tactical application.

Total penetration of the load was longer than our gelatin photographing light fixture. As a result we photographed each block separately and spliced the two together for the first photograph. Here is a photo of the first block.

The second gelatin block showing the slug and wad material.

Closeup of the slug. You can how it has yawed slightly, however the proximity and similar orientation of the wad suggesting that tumbling of the slug is unlikely as it travels through the target media. Because the slug is as wide as it is tall, it is difficult to determine tumbling via examination of the permenant wound channel.

Cross section of the 1st gelatin block approximately 8.5 inches in. Visible are the large tears of the temporary stretch cavity.

Slight perspective on the cross section.Closeup of the 3 lobed tears.

Wow! If you can live with the approximate 15 to 20 yard decrease in maximum range (85 yards as compared to approximately 100 with a full power slug), this load exhibits phenomenal penetrating capability...especially when you consider the projectile's poor sectional density.

We highly recommend reduced recoil slugs for animals that weigh less than 500lbs, as they certainly are easier on the shoulder in practice and as such you are likely to practice more and feel more confident in your ability to hit. In our patterning exercises we also found these slugs to be very accurate across a wide variety of guns.

****NOTE**** Based on experience with a yearling cow we were requested by it's owner to shoot, we DO NOT RECOMMEND REDUCED RECOIL SLUGS FOR DANGEROUS GAME OR ANIMALS THAT WEIGH MORE THAN 500lbs.

Reduced Recoil Slug (14" Barrel)

2¾ Remington Reduced Recoil 1oz Slug shot out of a 14 inch barreled Remington 870 hybrid. Our light table is not long enough to capture the full tract, thus the composite photograph.

As with most slug testing, total penetration of the load was longer than our gelatin photographing light fixture. As a result we photographed each block separately and spliced the two together for the first photograph. Here is a photo of the first block.The first block rotated 90 degrees, illustrating with slightly more clarity the temporary stretch cavity.

The second gelatin block showing the slug and wad material. In comparison to the same load fired out of an 18 inch barreled remington 870, the 4 inches of barrel length missing effects an overall penetration reduction of approximately 2.5 inches.

Closeup of the slug....in this case the cardboard wadding wound up pressed into the back of the slug.

Perspective on the entrance hole.

The slug and wad combination extracted from the gelatin.

Closeup of the recovered slug.

Closeup of the recovered slug. Similarly to the same slug load fired from an 18 inch barreled 870, there was little to no slug expansion evident.

Evidence of the slightly lower muzzle velocity when fired from a barrel 4 inches shorter than our standard 18 inch test barrel is approximately 2.5 inches of total penetration reduction. Are the benefits of the reduced recoil slug and a short barreled shotgun worth this type of performance penalty? Our experience has been that on animals weighing less than 500 lbs there is nothing lacking at all in this slug/barrel length combination.

We highly recommend reduced recoil slugs, as they certainly are easier on the shoulder in practice and as such you are likely to practice more and feel more confident in your ability to hit. In our patterning exercises we also found these slugs to be very accurate across a wide variety of guns.

****NOTE**** Based on experience with a yearling cow we were requested by it's owner to shoot, we DO NOT RECOMMEND REDUCED RECOIL SLUGS FOR DANGEROUS GAME OR ANIMALS THAT WEIGH MORE THAN 500lbs.

A 1 oz soft lead slug blazing out at approximately 1600 fps yielded some surprising observations in our ordinance gelatin. What makes the results surprising is when they are compared with those of the reduced recoil loads; the higher velocity of the regular loads (such as this one by Winchester) produce less penetration as far more energy is invested in deformation and deflection of the slug.

As with most of our slug testing, total penetration of the load was longer than our gelatin photographing light fixture. As a result we photographed each block separately and spliced the two together for the first photograph. Here is a photo of the first block.

Rotating the block to emphasis the temporary stretch cavity, note that it is significantly more developed and longer as compared to the regular foster style slugs we've tested.

The second gelatin block showing the slug and affixed wad.

Exposing the slug.

Slug detail.

Perspective on entrance.

Entrance hole.

Slug and wad combination as recovered from the gelatin.

Significant expansion of the slug at it's head.

Detailed photograph of expanded slug head.

Brenneke slugs are frequently discussed as having significantly superior penetration characteristics as compared to other high velocity slugs. Our gelatin testing support these claims and uncovers some other interesting performance characteristics that merit consideration when selecting a slug.

The nose design of these slugs is such that very controlled expansion occurs with the slug retaining 97% of it's original mass. The slight expansion and geometry of the expanded head are such that as the slug travels through target media it cuts a larger diameter wound tract. As compared to most regular foster styled slugs cast/swagged from soft lead, the brennekes are manufactured from a harder alloy that largely accounts for the slug holding together better at the higher velocities. When pushed in the neighborhood of 1600 fps, the softer lead slugs tend to deform significantly; losing their penetrating potential as the slug either expands so much as to present huge cross sectional area or breaks up into smaller, less efficient fragments. As the brennekes hold together better, they are a more appropriate slug when deep penetration in dangerous game is required.

International Frangible Slug

2¾ International Frangible slug fired from an 18 inch barreled Remington 870 Marine Magnum.Primarily designed as a non lead training round with minimal ricochet or spatter potential, these rounds are designed to disintegrate on impact.

Perspective on the entrance hole.

Closeup of the entrance hole.

Likely an excellent load for those concerned with over-penetration in a crowded urban environment while still needing the relative accuracy associated with a single projectile, we'd have no reservations endorsing this load as a medium range precision 12 gauge round.

This being said, poor penetration characteristics of the slug should be taken into serious consideration.

_________________I don't get to hunt enough to waste my time with malfunctioning shotguns. Shoot Remington!Liberals:People so open minded their brains fell out.Why settle for less than the best? Vote Republican!

I was really impressed with the performance of the Federal 2 3/4" magnum 00 buckshot load. I run Federal 3" magnum 00 buck in my shotgun, and I would imagine the performance to be very similar, except with 15 pellets instead. I'm surprised that the load exhibited 20" of penetration. That is awesome performance! I've got way more confidence in my defensive load now.

I'm a bit confused about ordinance gelatin. Is it supposed to mimic human tissue or is it closer to animal tissue? I was suprised the #4 copper buck averaged 15.5" penetration and the #1 only bettered it by 1 inch. I'm suprised because a 1 buck pellet weighs in at 40 grains and #4 at somewhere around 20.5 if i remember correctly. Any thoughts?

don't forget that ballistics gel does not accuratly show mushrooming/fragmentation it only accuratly shows penetration

Do you have a source for that claim?

Ballistic gelatin is an approximation of human flesh, it doesn't take into account bone, tendon, ligament, organs, etc.

Also expansion and deformation can be affected greatly by clothing. The most notable example is the hollow points of low-velocity pistol caliber bullets that get fouled with thick clothing and do not expand in flesh.

Testing of body armor by the US Army is done using cadavers, something that isn't very much publicized.

don't forget that ballistics gel does not accuratly show mushrooming/fragmentation it only accuratly shows penetration

Do you have a source for that claim?

Ballistic gelatin is an approximation of human flesh, it doesn't take into account bone, tendon, ligament, organs, etc.

Also expansion and deformation can be affected greatly by clothing. The most notable example is the hollow points of low-velocity pistol caliber bullets that get fouled with thick clothing and do not expand in flesh.

How can penetration be accurately represented but expansion not be accurately represented? These two dimensions of bullet performance are inextricably linked if we're keeping all else the same except for penetration medium. This is why I asked for a source (not an explanation). Whereever you read this will probably answer my questions more quickly with a lot less hassle on your part.

How can penetration be accurately represented but expansion not be accurately represented? These two dimensions of bullet performance are inextricably linked if we're keeping all else the same except for penetration medium.

I have seen a good set of photos on the web illustrating this, but after 15 mins of searching I give up.

This is of limited application to shotgun rounds, but explains how penetration and expansion aren't necessarily linked.

Grizzlywinmag wrote:

This is why I asked for a source (not an explanation). Whereever you read this will probably answer my questions more quickly with a lot less hassle on your part.

I didn't come by this information by reading it on the internet. It comes through a combination of classroom instruction, briefings, antectodal evidence, and personal experience. I have more experience with body armor and rifle and pistol caliber rounds than with shotguns, but the principles are mostly the same. Bullets and bullet fragments do strange things in the human body, and they very rarely travel in straight lines like you see in ballistic gelatin.[/url]

How can penetration be accurately represented but expansion not be accurately represented? These two dimensions of bullet performance are inextricably linked if we're keeping all else the same except for penetration medium.

I have seen a good set of photos on the web illustrating this, but after 15 mins of searching I give up.

This is of limited application to shotgun rounds, but explains how penetration and expansion aren't necessarily linked.

I'm not sure how that paragraph addresses this point. You're talking about the one that begins "Increased bullet mass will increase penetration." right?

essayons wrote:

Bullets and bullet fragments do strange things in the human body, and they very rarely travel in straight lines like you see in ballistic gelatin.

So then it would seem you're also saying that penetration isn't accurately represented. It makes sense, ballistic gelatin is (hopefully!) homogeneous and the human body is not. If a bone, ligament or some environmental factor will damage or impair the function of a hollow point, it only makes sense that penetration will also be affected, at least to some degree. Certainly, a bullet that strikes a bone 1" under tissue and lodges in it would certainly not be penetrating the same distance if it had been shot into a block of Fackler's favorite flavor of jello.

I'm not sure how that paragraph addresses this point. You're talking about the one that begins "Increased bullet mass will increase penetration." right?

I read your post too quickly...

I think you have my point confused though, I never claimed that ballistic gelatin accurately represents penetration. I'm saying that gelatin is only approximation of penetration, expansion, fragmentation, and wound cavity.

Bullets shot into ballistic gelatin will generally show maximum expansion (although not over the same time period) and median penetration as in the human body. However in practical uses, there are just too many variables to depend on a bullet expanding.

"Handgun bullets only expand in the human target 60-70% of the time at best. Damage to the hollow point by hitting bone, glass, or other intervening obstacles can prevent expansion. Clothing fibers can wrap the nose of the bullet in a cocoon like manner and prevent expansion..."

In the human body, a round that fails to expand has greater penetration, and a round that expands too rapidly will not penetrate enough.

Grizzlywinmag wrote:

So then it would seem you're also saying that penetration isn't accurately represented.

Exactly. Gelatin is only an approximation, and of living anesthatized(sp) pig flesh at that.

Grizzlywinmag wrote:

It makes sense, ballistic gelatin is (hopefully!) homogeneous and the human body is not. If a bone, ligament or some environmental factor will damage or impair the function of a hollow point, it only makes sense that penetration will also be affected, at least to some degree. Certainly, a bullet that strikes a bone 1" under tissue and lodges in it would certainly not be penetrating the same distance if it had been shot into a block of Fackler's favorite flavor of jello.

The 12" penetration minimum that is so often tossed about reflects this fact. The heart, aorta, and spinal column are generally within 10" of the outside of the body, usually much less. 12" is chosen because in all practicality you will most likely hit a bone of some sort. Also, because rounds almost always fully expand in gelatin, the penetration results are the minimum you will see (in gelatin).

I really don't know how all this applies to shotgun loads, because the ballistics and deformation of soft lead spheres is drastically different from FMJ and JHP handgun and rifle rounds. Although it is a very striking demonstration, the results shouldn't be taken as hard facts on penetration/expansion in the human body. Especially the lower mass projectiles like birdshot which will be easily stopped by bone.